Sunday, August 29, 2010

Saying Goodbye...

On August 18th, I had to say goodbye to one of my fur-babies, Jake.  After 11 years of cuddling, playing and forever being my shadow, it was time to say goodbye.  He was a definite mama's boy and I loved every moment.  He was the most beautiful husky I have ever seen.  His blue eyes made me melt.  He was so soft, especially after being groomed...oh I will miss that smell.  While my heart aches that he is gone, I know he is in a better place and back playing with my golden retriever, Jesse that I lost in 2001.

In the past week and a half I have realized how much of my time was actually being spent caring for Jake, especially when things started getting worse (approximately 3-4 months ago).  It was taking me 1.5 - 2 hours a day just walking him outside on a leash multiple times a day because he had lost his sight and would have injured himself if left to roam our yard (even with the Invisible Fence).  I never thought twice while I was doing it because I would do anything to have him here with me today if the circumstances could have been different.  However, I now understand why I felt so frazzled and wondering where my free-time went on a daily basis.

I want to thank three places that also took care of Jake.
  1. Dr. Gayle Block at Town & Country Veterinary Associates in Vernon, CT for being such a kind and understanding person.  Thank you for helping me through my second really difficult time with my dogs.
  2. 1st Command Dog Grooming in Manchester, CT for being able to trim Jake's pads (he had VERY ticklish back feet) and always making him smell so good.  However, we could almost always guarantee it would rain on his grooming days as well (sort of like my Picture Perfect Pages layout class at Wiggles & Giggles). 
  3. Baywood Kennels in Willington, CT for being Jake's home away from home when we were away.
I had to postpone a couple of classes or there had been a delay in typing up instructions for people that couldn't make it to class but it has been due to caring for my fur-baby in addition to other day to day life things.  I am sorry for the delays, but I hope that you understand.

Jake will be featured in my Picture Perfect Pages Layout Class at Wiggles & Giggles on September 23rd.  While my title will be "in loving MEMORY of" it can easily be changed to be a page about one of your favorite memories.  I just got my pictures so the layout will be completed soon!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

COPIC Fun

Just thought I would share some of the things that I did this past weekend.  I had so much fun coloring with my Copic markers using some of my Stampavie stamps that have been just sitting there, waiting to be opened.  Coloring is so relaxing for me...exactly what I needed.  Have fun creating!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

August / September 2010 Class Updates

Class samples have been completed (yeah!) and will be in the stores this week.  Here is a list of my upcoming classes. Check out the pictures under the Upcoming Classes section of my blog. 
  • 08/12/10 @ 6pm: Altered Collage Frame at Wiggles & Giggles (Rescheduled Date)
  • 08/26/10 @ 6pm: Picture Perfect Pages at Wiggles & Giggles
  • 09/01/10 @ 6pm: Scrap More Layout at The Inspiration Station
  • 09/09/10 @ 6pm: COPIC 101 at Wiggles & Giggles
  • 09/11/10 @ 10am: Cards done JUST RITE
  • 09/11/10 @ 1:30pm: COPIC 102 @ Wiggles & Giggles
  • 09/29/10 @ 6pm: Family Nest Accordion Album at The Inspiration Station
  I have just begun going though my stash of goodies and I have come to the conclusion that I need to simplify (in other words I have way too much stuff!), so as I go through my ENTIRE stash, deciding what I should keep and what should go...I will eventually have a personal tag sale with LOTS of scrapbooking paper, embellishments, stamps, tools and more.  I will keep you posted as I go through my things and make progress to where I feel comfortable in setting a date.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer and looking forward to seeing you soon!